AVSF vs SCHD
Avantis Short-Term Fixed Income ETF vs Schwab US Dividend Equity ETF
Quick Verdict
SCHD has a lower expense ratio. SCHD delivered stronger 1-year returns. AVSF offers more diversification with 466 holdings.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | AVSF | SCHD | Winner |
|---|---|---|---|
| Expense Ratio | 0.15% | 0.06% | |
| AUM | $653M | $103.7B | |
| Dividend Yield | 4.35% | 3.31% | |
| Holdings | 496 | 104 | |
| YTD Return | +1.02% | +25.33% | |
| 1Y Return | +4.33% | +32.31% | |
| 3Y Return (annualized) | +2.84% | +15.40% | |
| 5Y Return (annualized) | - | +9.70% | |
| Volatility (annualized) | 2.9% | 13.6% | |
| Max Drawdown | -8.8% | -33.4% | |
| Fund Family | Avantis Investors | Charles Schwab Asset Management | |
| Category | Fixed Income | Equity | |
| Inception | Oct 14, 2020 | Oct 20, 2011 |
AVSF vs SCHD Performance
Avantis Short-Term Fixed Income ETF (AVSF) is a ETF from Avantis Investors and Schwab US Dividend Equity ETF (SCHD) is a ETF from Charles Schwab Asset Management. Over the past year AVSF returned +4.33% while SCHD returned +32.31%. Year to date, AVSF is up 1.02% versus a gain of 25.33% for SCHD.
Over three years, AVSF compounded at +2.84% per year against +15.40% for SCHD. Across the full 5-year window we track, SCHD has the edge at +11.45% annualized vs +0.78%. Past performance does not guarantee future results.
Risk: Volatility and Drawdowns
SCHD has been the more volatile fund, with annualized monthly volatility of 13.6% compared with 2.9% for AVSF. Lower volatility generally means a smoother ride, though it often comes with lower long-run returns.
The deepest peak-to-trough decline in our data was -8.8% for AVSF and -33.4% for SCHD. Drawdown depth is worth weighing if you expect to sell during market stress rather than ride it out.
The two funds' monthly returns correlate at 0.44. They move independently enough that combining them can meaningfully diversify a portfolio.
Fees and Cost Over Time
AVSF charges 0.15% per year while SCHD charges 0.06%. On a $10,000 position that is $15 vs $6 annually, a gap of $9 per year that compounds over a long holding period. On income, AVSF currently yields 4.35% against 3.31% for SCHD.
Holdings Overlap
AVSF and SCHD share 0 holdings out of 566 unique holdings combined, representing a 0.0% weight overlap.
Moderate overlap means holding both could provide meaningful diversification benefits.
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is cheaper, AVSF or SCHD?
AVSF has an expense ratio of 0.15% while SCHD charges 0.06%. SCHD is the cheaper option. On a $10,000 investment, that is $9 per year of difference.
Which performed better, AVSF or SCHD?
Over the past year AVSF returned +4.33% vs +32.31% for SCHD, so SCHD leads on 1-year performance. Over the longest common window we track (5 years), AVSF annualized +0.78% vs +11.45% for SCHD. Past performance does not guarantee future results.
Which is riskier, AVSF or SCHD?
SCHD has been the more volatile fund at 13.6% annualized versus 2.9% for AVSF. Worst drawdown: AVSF -8.8% vs SCHD -33.4%.
Should I hold both AVSF and SCHD?
AVSF and SCHD have a monthly-return correlation of 0.44, so combining them can provide real diversification depending on your allocation goals.
What is the holdings overlap between AVSF and SCHD?
AVSF and SCHD share 0 common holdings with a 0.0% weight overlap. Combined, they hold 566 unique securities.
Which pays a higher dividend, AVSF or SCHD?
AVSF yields 4.35% while SCHD yields 3.31%, so AVSF currently pays the higher dividend yield.
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